German and UK police crackdown on illegal high‑speed e‑bikes

Police in Germany’s Emsland and Grafschaft Bentheim districts reported a surge in modified fat‑bikes that can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. During focused inspections in early July 2026, officers examined more than 100 two‑wheel vehicles, seized three altered fat‑bikes and recorded 36 offences, including driving without a licence and lacking mandatory insurance.

In Nottingham, England, officers seized an e‑bike capable of 116 km/h as part of the ongoing “Operation Wrangel”. The operation, launched in November, has already confiscated over 60 e‑bikes and e‑scooters and charged 38 individuals, imposing fines and driver‑license points. Both jurisdictions stress that any two‑wheel vehicle exceeding the legal 25 km/h limit is classified as a motor vehicle and must meet registration, insurance and licensing requirements.